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Post by redemption3 on Aug 16, 2014 22:57:16 GMT -5
Looking at getting the Airmotiv pair for my computer (PC tower system). What do I need to hook everything up to a PC?
I am guessing the Freak controller would be good so I have something easy for volume control.
What else? Do I need a small amp of some kind, and what do I need for cables?
I would like to have a headphone jack for late night gaming as well.
Looking at best value for my money.
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Post by garbulky on Aug 16, 2014 23:25:14 GMT -5
Looking at getting the Airmotiv pair for my computer (PC tower system). What do I need to hook everything up to a PC? I am guessing the Freak controller would be good so I have something easy for volume control. What else? Do I need a small amp of some kind, and what do I need for cables? I would like to have a headphone jack for late night gaming as well. Looking at best value for my money. Hi redemption. No need for an amp. The airmotivs have two amps per speaker inbuilt into them. Basically you need A Behringer UCA 202 + Control freak (RCA unbalanced version) . Or if you can spend the extra money an Emotiva DC-1 (no need of control freak). I have both and they are both outstanding values for the money. You only need one. Also: appropriate cables (RCA for UCA 202, XLR for Control freak.) The thing you need to really pay attention to is the source or DAC as it's called. It's what produces the quality analog audio. Currently you can simply hook the airmotiv up to your inbuilt sound card but that is a great way to get very poor sound quality as those inbuilt sound cards politely put, sound really bad. Garbage in garbage out is essentially what you will get here. So...it depends on how much cash you have. The minimum you should consider is The Behringer UCA 202. It is only $30 and punches very nicely in sound quality.  www.amazon.com/Behringer-UCA202-Audio-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1408248334&sr=8-1&keywords=Behringer+UCA+202If you go with the UCA 202: You would also want a control freak. But it's not essential. What the control freak does is provide a physical way to control the volume. And honestly it makes the whole setup much easier. If not, you have to use the keyboard or mouse and use windows inbuilt volume control. Not ideal and it does attenuate the audio in lossy mode. So you lose audio information the quieter you set it. So you are definitely reccomended to use a control freak. Or: The DC-1. If you want the next step up in sound or want some seriously good sound quality. There really is no good alternative to the Emotiva DC-1 (imo). It is pricey but if the airmotivs are going to be your primary listening system, this is what you want. emotiva.com/products/electronics/stealth-dc-1 At its current price it is a knockout. In terms of the DAC's emotiva has produced or is available, the dc-1 is in its own class. It uses dual chips - one to decode the left and one for the right channel of the stereo signal This way the channels stay separated and gives you a very nice product. It's called dual mono. And it sounds great! You can also buy it used on the forums and get an amazing DAC at a fantastic price. Just post "WTB: DC-1" and you should be able to get a nice price on it with a transferrable warranty included! If you go with the DC-1, you absolutely do not need the control freak. At all. So to make it clear. The UCA 202 and the Emotiva DC-1 are both DAC's. Their job is to provide better quality audio to go to your airmotivs. They both can also power headphones separately if you ever want that. The DC-1 is better than the UCA-202. The DC-1 also allows you to connect other devices to it, like your playstation or blu ray player as well. The UCA -202 and DC-1 are both good. Depends on how much sound quality you want. You want one or the other not both. The airmotivs are usually able to differentiate in terms of the quality between these two products as long as your room and speakers are setup well. That doesn't guarantee you will hear a difference. A lot of things need to be right. For instance a poor room will mask the sound difference. Either product you purchase - you will win. As for cables. If you get a UCA 202 you would need a pair of RCA to RCA cables. They would need to be long enough to reach your airmotiv speakers. Here's six feet www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021814&p_id=2864&seq=1&format=2Here's 10 feet www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021814&p_id=5347&seq=1&format=2Here's 12 feet www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021814&p_id=2865&seq=1&format=2Usually 6 to 10 feet is a safe assumption. If they will reside on a computer desk, it can be even shorter. (Just search RCA cables on the monoprice website). If you get a DC-1, you would instead want to get XLR cables. They provide a slightly lower noise floor and possible sound quality, are better built and costs not much more. If you have the option to use XLR (like the DC-1 provides, it is recommended to choose it over RCA). Once again, you want them to be able to reach your airmotivs. www.monoprice.com/Search/Index?keyword=XLR+cables6 to 10 feet is usually a safe bet. You need to purchase TWO of these as they do not come as a pair. Remember if you get the DC-1, no need for a control freak. |
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Post by creimes on Aug 16, 2014 23:52:12 GMT -5
There is also the XDA-2 DAc that Emotiva sells, it is currently $219 on sale, it was originally $399, it is also a DAC with multiple inputs, you could go USB from PC to XDA-2 and XLR cables from XDA-2 to Airmotiv speakers. This would be a real sweet setup and a bit cheaper then the DC-1 DAC.
Chad
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Post by AudioHTIT on Aug 17, 2014 0:14:57 GMT -5
There is also the XDA-2 DAc that Emotiva sells, it is currently $219 on sale, it was originally $399, it is also a DAC with multiple inputs, you could go USB from PC to XDA-2 and XLR cables from XDA-2 to Airmotiv speakers. This would be a real sweet setup and a bit cheaper then the DC-1 DAC. Chad ^^^ This is what I'm now doing with my Mac-mini to Airmotive 5's. While the 5's actually sound very good directly from the Mac, they sound even better through the XDA-2, and more importantly (for me) I can use headphones for nighttime listening and guitar playing (through GarageBand on the Mac). Until recently I was short on USB ports so I'm using TOSLink from the Mac to the XDA-2. |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Aug 17, 2014 2:45:29 GMT -5
I have my PC tower USB --- out to Emotiva XDA-2 --- out to Airmotiv4's via XLR cable/also out to Mirage Omni S-8 8" powered sub via RCA cable (simultaneous output via XLR and RCA). I have the shelf filter turned on -4dB for the Airmotiv4's to roll off the lower bass and also have the sub set to 90Hz low pass on the Mirage sub and get amazing response down flat to about 3OHz. The smaller Airmotiv4 fits in nicely next to my computer monitor. The blend from the Airmotiv4's to the sub is excellent IMO and sounds great. The lower bass on the Airmotiv4's is already quite impressive and measured by me down almost flat to about 50Hz (better than spec'd) but I love tight and defined low bass and the sub is frosting on the cake for me. I picked up the Mirage sub for $139 online, no longer available at that price. The sub sits on the floor just to the left of the left speaker and I can lean over to quickly adjust the sub output on the fly if needed. If you are interested in a sub, watch Woot or Accessories4less for refurbished subs like the dual 6" or 8" Pinnacle subs at Woot. The XDA-2 comes with built-in headphone amp and remote control. I doubt if you would hear very little if any sound improvement with the DC-1, but you might prefer the smaller size, for $280 more. However, that $280 will buy you one heck of a good small sub. I have the Airmotiv4's on tilted NHT "desk stands" although Emo now offers nice ones. This sound system also sounds really impressive back in the open room where it resides. I frequently use it (versus my main system) to fill our great room with fairly loud music (up to about 85-90 dB's, but rarely that loud).  XDA-2 between Belkin PF30 and keyboard   RS meter/tripod for near field FR tests on Airmotiv4 prior to speaker stands and sub. 1/6th octave bass tests tones (RS meter corrected) with a RS meter/tripod at ear level 35", 80Hz at zero. Emo spec'd -2dB's at 58Hz. 45Hz -4.0dB's 50Hz -1.5dB's 56Hz +0.5dB's 63Hz +0.5dB's 71Hz +0.5dB's 80Hz - zero (0dB's) 90Hz -1.0dB's 101Hz +2.5dB's |
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Post by garbulky on Aug 17, 2014 2:59:40 GMT -5
I have audtioned the XDA-1, XDA-2, and DC-1 as well as the airmotiv 4's in my setup. The DC-1 takes the gold for me  The UCA 202 performed close to the XDA-1 of which I am a big fan of too. It wasn't QUITE as good as the XDA-1 but close enough to impress me. I doubt I could have told a difference if put on the spot. I still stick by my reccomendation of the DC-1 though. But just so you know, I know at least two or maybe three people that did not hear a difference between an XDA-2 and a DC-1 in their own setups. So I can't promise that you would either. However, I believe it is their best sounding DAC and well worth the price. The airmotivs are pretty resolving devices and I believe that when setup well should be able to show differences in sound quality. But I can only speak for my experience and I'm not trying to downplay anybody else's experiences This is a nice friendly forum with a lot of useful experience shared between us. |
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Post by redemption3 on Aug 17, 2014 3:15:48 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the great info, especially garbulky for the detail info on what I need. I am thinking about getting some Airmotiv 4 speakers, but I have to figure out with some other gadget upgrades what I want to do.
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Post by redemption3 on Aug 17, 2014 3:18:49 GMT -5
It looks like the UCA 202 has a headphone jack? I will need that for sure.
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Post by yves on Aug 17, 2014 4:01:54 GMT -5
If you are into surround sound, get two pairs of Airmotivs and an UMC-200. You will need to worry about the left surround and right surround channel speaker placement, but a center channel speaker isn't really necessary, and you can always add a powered subwoofer later. Those RCA cables that garbulky told you about are stereo RCA cables. For a pair of Airmotivs, what you want instead of one stereo RCA cable is a pair of mono RCA cables.  |
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hemster
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Post by hemster on Aug 17, 2014 4:31:29 GMT -5
It looks like the UCA 202 has a headphone jack? I will need that for sure. If you need headphones I strongly recommend V-Modas. Check them out at v-moda.com/headphones/. |
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Post by garbulky on Aug 17, 2014 5:26:53 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the great info, especially garbulky for the detail info on what I need. I am thinking about getting some Airmotiv 4 speakers, but I have to figure out with some other gadget upgrades what I want to do. I didn't realize you were going for the airmotiv 4. It's honestly one of the best values in the speaker market outside of other active monitors! But....since it is airmotiv 4, it may not be 100% necessary to go for a DC-1. I only say that to match the prices. The DC-1 may be at or more than the price of the speakers! For the airmotiv 4 there is nothing wrong with using an XDA-2 instead of DC-1. Sorry for changing my mind. If you had the larger airmotiv units or plan to upgrade, then I would reccomend the DC-1 but otherwise we can stay on the sane rational side. Lol! I think chuckies suggestions are spot on! There is a disadvantage to UCA 202 is if you listen to high resolution music above cd quality a lot. The UCA 202 maxes out at CD quality. For instance pandora, mp3's CD's, youtube, etc are all fine. But HD downloads won't play on it. If you don't know if you have HD downloads, then you have nothing to worry about. Another advantage that you may not know about UCA 202 is that it has an analog input that is pretty nice quality. So if you have like an iphone or something you can just plug it straight into the analog inputs. It also has a digital output, though I don't know what you would use it for. Both the UCA 202 and the DC-1 has headphone outputs. Both are nice, the DC-1's headphone output is superior for high impedance headphones like the HD600. Is this your first time getting into hifi and this is your primary system or is this a secondary system? |
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zerafa
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Post by zerafa on Aug 17, 2014 13:28:09 GMT -5
i really love my uDac, which is ideal for your problem. The uDac works as the audio out, it has a good DAC, headphone jack / headphone amp, volume control and rca output to the speakers. You will need a pair of RCA cables, in addition to the udac. I am pretty sure the usb cable comes with the dac, but you will need to confirm. www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=687&Itemid=2746 or outlet.nuforce.com/nuforce-icon-udac2-refurbished/i have the udac 2, and very happy with it connected to my macbook air, or in the office. I have three nuforce dacs, and have been very happy with the sound and performance for the price. There are some good prices on the udac 2, refurbished or used. I am running the a pair of airmotiv 5, one that i travel with on longer trips (in a purpose cut out storm case), and the other pair in the office running off from a nuforce dac. I have a XDA-2 that i have been thinking about moving to the office, but right now it has mostly been sitting in my office. If i were going to build this system up a second time, i might opt for bigger speakers. The 5 is great, but sometimes a little more bass would be nice. So if it was a stationary system, a sub would be nice. Matt |
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Post by redemption3 on Aug 17, 2014 20:29:13 GMT -5
Garbulky, I am not new to audio, I am looking just for my computer system. I have been eyeing the Airmotiv 4's for awhile, and I was wondering what I would need and a general idea of the cost. The problem with our hobby is that there is always something new to buy:) I already have a great home theater system, ERT 8.3, 6.3 center, ERD surrounds, XPA-5 amp, Oppo 103, MRX-500 receiver, and Funk Audio 18.0C sub. I am very happy with my system, built it up over 4 to 5 years. At some point I am thinking about better speakers, but I need to a more serious outlay of money to make a big difference over the ERT 8.3 for me to even consider doing anything. I am looking to upgrade my Epson 8350, I want to see what Epson announces next month before I pull the trigger. Projector will be around $3000, (looking at new version of Epson 5030), considering a new iPhone as well. Money will go very quickly  I have a Cosair SP2500 right now for my computer. Not nearly Airmotiv level of quality, but for a mass market computer system would be at the higher end of what is out there. If I could sell it for a decent amount, them I could maybe swing it. Zerafa, the uDac looks to be exactly what I would want. I was wanting something good quality, but not too expensive. Is the DAC in this system pretty good? Is is good for play high res audio with an Airmotiv? What is the coaxial for? Can you hook up a sub to this? Thanks so much for everyone's input. Feel free to add some more suggestions. |
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Post by coldfusion on Aug 17, 2014 21:30:10 GMT -5
i really love my uDac, which is ideal for your problem. The uDac works as the audio out, it has a good DAC, headphone jack / headphone amp, volume control and rca output to the speakers. You will need a pair of RCA cables, in addition to the udac. I am pretty sure the usb cable comes with the dac, but you will need to confirm. www.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=687&Itemid=2746 or outlet.nuforce.com/nuforce-icon-udac2-refurbished/i have the udac 2, and very happy with it connected to my macbook air, or in the office. I have three nuforce dacs, and have been very happy with the sound and performance for the price. There are some good prices on the udac 2, refurbished or used. I am running the a pair of airmotiv 5, one that i travel with on longer trips (in a purpose cut out storm case), and the other pair in the office running off from a nuforce dac. I have a XDA-2 that i have been thinking about moving to the office, but right now it has mostly been sitting in my office. If i were going to build this system up a second time, i might opt for bigger speakers. The 5 is great, but sometimes a little more bass would be nice. So if it was a stationary system, a sub would be nice. Matt I'd definitely stay away from the u-dac: nwavguy.blogspot.com/2011/02/nuforce-udac-2-drama.htmlA cheap dac like the schiit modi or ODAC would work. |
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Post by creimes on Aug 17, 2014 21:51:05 GMT -5
Looking at getting the Airmotiv pair for my computer (PC tower system). What do I need to hook everything up to a PC? I am guessing the Freak controller would be good so I have something easy for volume control. What else? Do I need a small amp of some kind, and what do I need for cables? I would like to have a headphone jack for late night gaming as well. Looking at best value for my money. Here ya go, an XDA-2 DAC for even cheaper here on the lounge from a trusty member emotivalounge.proboards.com/thread/38431/fs-xda-2 |
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Post by Gary Cook on Aug 17, 2014 22:10:14 GMT -5
My home office set up is a MacMini to UCA202 to Airmotive 4's using iTunes Lossless and it's easily the best computer sound system I have had (and I've had a lot). Recently I added a pair of Emotiva Bases that were well worth the $29 for the resulting (directional) sound improvement. Connectivity wise the UCA202 has a USB cable & plug that goes to the MacMini and I have a pair of single RCA cables from the UCA202 to the Airmotive 4's. Obviously being powered monitors the Airmotive 4's need 110/220 volts connected as well.
Cheers
Gary
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Post by redemption3 on Aug 17, 2014 23:07:18 GMT -5
I would just need cables with the XDA-2? What does it plug into on my computer?
I assume it does balanced cables from the Airmotiv to the XDA-2, or is it stereo?
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Post by creimes on Aug 17, 2014 23:12:16 GMT -5
I would just need cables with the XDA-2? What does it plug into on my computer? I assume it does balanced cables from the Airmotiv to the XDA-2, or is it stereo? USB cable from computer to XDA-2 and two XLR cables in whatever length you would need them to be to go from the XDA-2 to the airmotiv's All my XLR cables I purchased from my local music/guitar shop, they should carry lengths of 3ft to upwards of 100ft Chad |
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Post by redemption3 on Aug 17, 2014 23:20:40 GMT -5
Thanks Chad. Help me understand the USB. It just plugs into and USB port on the back of my computer?
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Post by creimes on Aug 17, 2014 23:23:22 GMT -5
You would need a USB 2.0 A-B Cable, Emotiva sells them as well, I just use one from a printer and it works fine for me.
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The UCA 202 performed close to the XDA-1 of which I am a big fan of too. It wasn't QUITE as good as the XDA-1 but close enough to impress me. I doubt I could have told a difference if put on the spot. 
